The United Kingdom, officially the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is a sovereign country in north-western Europe. It consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Its capital and largest city is London.
Geography
The United Kingdom includes Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands. It has coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, English Channel, Irish Sea and surrounding waters.
It shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland. Its constituent countries have distinct geography, institutions and identities.
History
The modern UK developed through several political unions. England and Wales were already under one crown and legal system when the Acts of Union 1707 joined England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain.
The Acts of Union 1800 created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. After the partition of Ireland and the creation of the Irish Free State, the state became the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Government
The UK Parliament has two houses: the elected House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Prime Minister leads the government, while the monarch is head of state.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have devolved institutions with powers over many domestic policy areas. England does not have a separate devolved parliament.
Economy
The UK has a large service-based economy with major sectors including finance, professional services, healthcare, education, manufacturing, energy, technology, retail, creative industries and tourism.
London is a major global financial and cultural centre, but the UK economy is regionally varied and includes major cities, ports, industrial areas, rural areas and university towns.
Culture
UK culture includes English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish and many migrant and regional traditions. It has had major influence through literature, theatre, music, science, sport, broadcasting, law and political institutions.
The country's global role is also shaped by the British Empire, decolonisation, the Commonwealth, NATO, the United Nations and its relationship with Europe.
See Also
References
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